Planning the perfect 10 days Switzerland itinerary? In this guide, I’ll show you the best places to visit and must-know travel tips!
If there’s one country I can’t stop thinking about, it’s 10 days from Switzerland. I visited last October and fell completely in love with its breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and efficient transportation system. So, I’ve decided to share my full itinerary and travel costs with you! This 9-night, 10-day Switzerland itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience both stunning nature and iconic cities. My husband and I focused solely on Switzerland without adding other European destinations, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice.
Overview of Our 10 days Switzerland Itinerary
📍 Lucerne (1 night) → Grindelwald (4 nights) → Zermatt (2 nights) → Zurich (1 night)
We chose these locations strategically to minimize travel time while maximizing our experience. If it’s your first time in Switzerland, this itinerary will help you plan an efficient and unforgettable trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Zurich & Exploring the City
We arrived at Zurich Airport (ZRH) and decided to stay near the airport for convenience. After checking in, we headed into the city and explored Bahnhofstrasse, one of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Zurich felt extremely modern, quite different from the nature-filled Switzerland we had imagined. It didn’t have the old European charm either, but it was still interesting to explore.
Day 2: Discovering Lucerne
We took a train to Lucerne, which took about an hour. As soon as we arrived, we wandered through Chapel Bridge and visited the famous Lion Monument. Walking along the shores of Lake Lucerne, we immediately felt like we had stepped into a classic European postcard. The city had the perfect mix of historic charm and peaceful atmosphere.
The afternoon at Mount Rigi was absolutely breathtaking. While we were met with an unexpected fog at the very top—leaving us with almost zero visibility—just one station below, the scenery completely transformed. We were greeted with a stunning panoramic view, the kind that makes you pause and take it all in.
It was our first real taste of Switzerland’s natural beauty, and I couldn’t help but be in awe. Since we had to make our way to our accommodation in Grindelwald, we couldn’t stay as long as we wanted. But even with the quick visit, it was 100% worth it. No regrets—just pure appreciation for those few unforgettable moments!
Day 3: A Day Trip to Bern
We spent the day exploring Bern’s charming Old Town, strolling along cobblestone streets, and taking in the panoramic views from the Rose Garden. The city is compact, making it easy to see most of the highlights with just one bus ride and a leisurely walk. One of our favorite spots was Bear Park, where we saw the famous bears of Bern. They were surprisingly adorable and added a unique touch to the city’s character.
Day 4: Thrill-Seeking Adventures in First (Grindelwald)
We took the cable car up to First Cliff Walk, where we were greeted with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. We couldn’t resist trying the First Flyer zip line and the First Glider, both of which were thrilling experiences. Afterward, we hiked to the stunning Bachalpsee Lake, surrounded by some of the most beautiful alpine scenery we had ever seen.
Day 5: Jungfraujoch – The Top of Europe
Our adventure took us to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe at 3,454 meters. The journey itself was scenic, with snow-covered peaks and glaciers stretching as far as the eye could see. We spent time playing in the snow, sledding and tobogganing, capturing incredible photos, and exploring the Ice Palace. Despite being a tourist hotspot, Jungfraujoch was definitely worth the visit.
Days 6-8: Magical Zermatt & Matterhorn Views
We arrived in Zermatt, a picturesque car-free town that offers unbeatable views of the Matterhorn. One of the highlights was taking the Gornergrat Railway, which gave us a panoramic view of the Swiss Alps.
We also hiked the Five Lakes Trail, which provided postcard-perfect scenery with reflections of the Matterhorn in the crystal-clear lakes. Every corner of Zermatt felt like a dream, making it one of our favorite stops on the trip.
Day 9: Relaxing in a Swiss Thermal Spa
As Switzerland’s weather can be unpredictable, we had a backup plan for our last day.
We decided to unwind at the Leukerbad Thermal Baths, soaking in the warm waters while surrounded by alpine scenery. It was the perfect way to end our journey before heading back to Zurich for our flight home.
Day 10: Head back to
Must-Know Travel Tips for Switzerland
This post is just a tiny little sip of a Switzerland journey. Stick with me, and together we’ll craft the perfect Swiss adventure! 🇨đź‡âś¨
💡 Swiss Travel Pass – Great for unlimited train, bus, and boat rides
💡 Weather Apps – Swiss weather changes quickly, so check before heading out
💡 Gondola & Train Reservations – Book in advance for peak season
💡 Zurich Airport Hotels – Free shuttle services are available for early flights
💡 Stock Up on Groceries – If you’re heading into remote areas like Grindelwald or Zermatt, buy essentials in bigger cities
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